Jigisha Bouverat, TBWA CHIAT DAY Advertising, Inc.: I think each of all of the promotional tools for photographers has its specific use. Direct mail is the best for initial contact and keeping the industry abreast of new work. Websites are great to show a wider range of commercial and personal work—we often use them to show Art Directors a photographer’s work before we commit to calling in the book. Both promotional mailers and websites are valuable reference tools at the research phase of a project. Print portfolios are best once a photographer is being considered for the project. Art buyers and Art Directors are able to see a full range of work in a tangible manner. In almost every situation, our Art Directors do not make a decision on choice of photographers until they have seen the portfolio books a number of times.
Chris Keefe, Pacific Communications: Whatever you do don’t send a post card! Everyone sends them and they end up in the trash. (Sorry.) The best direct mail promo I received recently was in a mailing tube and it included a sample photo with a “giveaway” item in the tube that related to the photo. It was unique and got me to take a look at the work. The next, and best, way to get work is to go to ad agencies with or without a rep and meet with the Art Directors. It is the best way to get people to actually look at the work and for them to get to know you; most people want to work with someone who is a good artist as well as a good person and personality.
No comments:
Post a Comment